The United Kingdom is set to host a virtual meeting on Thursday, bringing together representatives from 35 countries to discuss forming a coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial waterway has been effectively closed by Iran in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes that began in late February, disrupting about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and driving energy prices higher globally.
UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will chair the session, which includes nations such as France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The meeting, scheduled around midday London time, will focus on restoring freedom of navigation in the region. Notably, the United States will not participate in the talks.
This initiative follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated in a national address on Wednesday evening that securing the Strait of Hormuz is a responsibility for the countries that depend on it. He suggested the waterway could reopen “naturally” and urged those nations to take action themselves.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the meeting aims to evaluate “all viable diplomatic and political measures” to ensure the Strait’s reopening once a ceasefire is established. European countries had initially resisted Trump’s call to deploy their navies to the area due to concerns about being drawn into the conflict. However, the escalating impact of rising energy costs on the global economy has motivated them to pursue a coalition to address the issue collaboratively.
The Thursday talks will mark the first formal gathering of this group, with more detailed discussions involving military planners expected in the coming weeks. European officials, the initial phase of any reopening plan will prioritize clearing mines from the waterway, followed by efforts to safeguard tankers navigating the area.
Starmer acknowledged that reopening the Strait will be challenging, requiring a unified approach combining military strength, diplomatic efforts, and cooperation with the shipping industry. Meanwhile, Trump urged countries reliant on the Strait to “build up some delayed courage” and take control of the passage themselves, stating, “Just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves.”
